Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but not all formulas are equal. Since 2019, research has continued to reveal concerns about certain sunscreen ingredients, while newer, safer formulations have emerged. This updated guide highlights the best sunscreens of 2025 and identifies harmful ingredients to avoid.
Why Sunscreen Ingredient Safety Matters
Recent studies show that many sunscreen chemicals are absorbed through the skin and can be detected in the bloodstream weeks after use. According to the FDA, only two sunscreen ingredients are currently classified as “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE): zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This makes understanding sunscreen ingredients more important than ever.
Harmful Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid in 2025
High-Risk Ingredients
1. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
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Acts as an endocrine disruptor, mimicking estrogen
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Found in the bloodstream and linked to male infertility
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Associated with lower testosterone levels in adolescent boys
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Contributes to coral bleaching and reef damage
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Found in 96% of Americans according to CDC testing
2. Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)
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Disrupts hormone function in humans and wildlife
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Significantly harms coral reefs, leading to bans in Hawaii and other locations
3. Homosalate
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Disrupts hormones and absorbed at high levels through the skin
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Restricted in Europe but still widely used in the U.S., sunscreens
4. Octocrylene
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Breaks down into benzophenone, which has carcinogenic potential
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Causes high rates of skin allergies and photo-contact reactions
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Accumulates in the environment and contributes to aquatic toxicity
5. Benzene
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Not an intentional ingredient but is found as a contaminant in some products
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Known human carcinogen linked to leukemia and other cancers
Other Concerning Ingredients
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Avobenzone: Breaks down in sunlight, potentially creating harmful byproducts
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Parabens: Associated with breast cancer concerns and hormone disruption
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Fragrances and phthalates: Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions
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Enzacamene (4-MBC): Endocrine disruptor that may suppress thyroid function
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Retinyl Palmitate: May accelerate cancer cell growth when exposed to sunlight
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Nano titanium dioxide: Potentially carcinogenic when inhaled in spray forms
Best Sunscreens of 2025
Best Overall Face Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
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Lightweight formula with no white cast
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Contains niacinamide (vitamin B3) to soothe inflammation
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Designed for sensitive skin, acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation
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Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic
- CLEAR SUNSCREEN FOR FACE: This transparent zinc oxide sunscreen lotion is lightweight and silky, designed to blend into your skin without leaving a whitish cast or residue.
- ACNE SUNSCREEN: Elta MD UV Clear is an oil-free sunscreen that offers lightweight, non-greasy sun protection for acne-prone skin.
- TRAVEL SIZE SUNSCREEN: This travel sunscreen for face comes in a convenient 1.7 oz pump bottle.
- SUITABLE FOR HYPERPIGMENTED SKIN: This face sunscreen for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation contains Zinc Oxide and Niacinamide to soothe skin while providing 46 SPF sun protection.
- WEAR ALONE OR UNDER MAKEUP: This non-comedogenic facial sunscreen is a suitable non greasy sunscreen for oily skin and can be worn on its own or under makeup.
Best Mineral Sunscreen Serum
Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Serum
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Zinc-based mineral formula with SPF 50
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A light, serum-like texture that sinks into the skin without a white cast
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Contains squalane and vitamin E for hydration and antioxidant protection
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Available at Sephora U.S.
Best for No White Cast
Vacation Crystal SPF 50 Sunscreen Gel
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Completely transparent gel formula
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Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
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Contains hyaluronic acid, squalane, peptides, ceramides, cactus flower, and cica
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Doubles as a makeup primer
- 100% INVISIBLE ON ALL SKIN TONES: An invisible and scentless face sunscreen gel that applies clear on all skin tones with no white cast. Our breakthrough thinner formula applies quicker and easier, without pilling
- WEIGHTLESS, BREATHABLE FEEL: Our clear face sunscreen formula is weightless, crystal-light texture feels undetectable on skin while providing optimal breathability.
- DOUBLES AS A BLURRING PRIMER: This lightweight sunscreen for face doubles as a primer, providing a flawlessly smooth base for all-day makeup wear, and visibly blurs pores for a smooth, soft focus effect on skin while reducing the look of fine lines.
- HIGH PERFORMING SPF 50: Crystal SPF 50 Face Gel provides broad spectrum protection against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays while also being water-resistant (80 minutes) and made to adhere to the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104 mandates.
- DERMATOLOGIST TESTED: Our facial spf is made with premium, skin-loving ingredients to help nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.
Best Drugstore Option
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock SPF 45
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Affordable Korean sunscreen with a lightweight texture
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Contains birch tree sap to decrease inflammation
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No white cast, good for sensitive skin
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Hydrating formula that feels like a moisturizer
- Broad Spectrum Sun Protection: With an SPF 45 and broad spectrum coverage, this sunscreen provides reliable defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- Lightweight, Seamless Application: The lightweight essence texture glides on smoothly, leaving no white cast and creating a protective barrier against sun damage.
- Broad Spectrum UV Protection: Formulated with non-nano Zinc Oxide particles, this mineral sunscreen provides SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, shielding your skin from harmful sun exposure.
- Soothing and Gentle Formula: Featuring a patented ingredient called Derma AC, this mild sunscreen offers thorough UV protection while gently soothing sensitive skin types.
- Sensitive Skin-Friendly: Formulated with non-irritant ingredients and free from 19 harmful substances, this sunscreen is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones.
Best Natural Sunscreens
cocokind Daily SPF 32
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Contains zinc oxide (21%) for reef-safe protection
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Includes blue phytoplankton and microalgae to combat blue light damage
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Lightweight and non-greasy
- COMPLETE DAILY SKINCARE ROUTINE: This bundle offers a comprehensive routine to cleanse, hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin with high-performance products designed for everyday use, featuring Cocokind's best selling products.
- OIL TO MILK CLEANSER: Gently removes makeup and impurities while supporting the skin's microbiome. It transforms from an oil balm to a milk upon adding water, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and never stripped.
- CERAMIDE BARRIER SERUM: Formulated with five types of ceramides and lipids, this serum strengthens the skin barrier, reduces water loss, and boosts hydration for a supple, balanced complexion.
- RESURRECTION POLYPEPTIDE CREAM: This rich cream replenishes moisture, enhances skin radiance, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, leaving skin plump and deeply hydrated.
- DAILY SPF: Protects skin from UVA/UVB rays and environmental stressors with non-nano zinc oxide, blue phytoplankton, and microalgae, preventing sunburn and signs of premature aging like dark spots and wrinkles.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
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Available in 40 shades for all skin tones
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Contains hyaluronic acid and plant-based squalane
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Provides light coverage with high SPF protection
- WHAT IT IS: An Award-Winning Tinted Serum With Light, Dewy Coverage, Mineral SPF, + Active Levels Of Skincare Ingredients, Now Clinically-Proven To Rejuvenate + Protect Skin Over Time.*
- WHAT TO KNOW: This Clean Skin Tint Combines Makeup, Skincare, + SPF Into One Step. With Every Wear, Skincare Actives Visibly Hydrate, Smooth, + Refine Bare Skin. Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Shields Skin From UVA/UVB/UVC Rays, Blue Light, + Pollution.
- KEY INGREDIENTS: Niacinamide Helps Visibly Smooth Skin Texture + Refine Uneven Tone. Hyaluronic Acid Helps Plump Skin + Replenish Moisture Levels, + Plant-Based Squalane Helps Hydrate + Improve Elasticity Without Clogging Pores.
- CLINICAL RESULTS: Super Serum Skin Tint Is Now Clinically Proven To Improve + Protect Skin!* 100% Said Moisture Was Boosted,** 94% Saw Improvement Of Blemishes, Redness, + Uneven Tone,*** + 90% Said Wrinkles + Fine Lines Were Reduced.***
- CLEAN QUALILTY: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Silicone-Free, Fragrance-Free, Oil-Free + Non-Comedogenic. Safe For Sensitive Skin + Dermatologist-Tested.
Forah Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
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Ideal for sensitive skin
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Free from preservatives, emulsifiers, silicones, and micro-plastics
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Contains non-nano zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (7%)
How to Choose a Safe Sunscreen
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Look for mineral-based formulas: Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.
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Check the ingredient list: Avoid harmful chemicals, particularly oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate.
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Consider your skin type: Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin should opt for fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formulas.
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Choose an appropriate SPF level: SPF 30-50 is generally recommended for everyday use, with higher SPF for extended outdoor activities.
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Consider environmental impact: Reef-safe formulas avoid ingredients harmful to marine ecosystems.
The Future of Sunscreen
Sunscreen technology continues to evolve, with more brands focusing on clean formulations and environmental sustainability. The FDA is currently reviewing sunscreen regulations, which may lead to stricter standards for chemical UV filters in the coming years.
Several regions, including Hawaii, Palau, and parts of Mexico, have banned high-risk sunscreen ingredients to protect coral reefs. As research continues to demonstrate the potential hazards of certain chemicals, we can expect more brands to reformulate with safer alternatives.
Remember, the best sunscreen is one you’ll use consistently. Finding a formula that feels good on your skin while providing adequate protection without harmful ingredients is the key to maintaining healthy skin for years.
